place on main control valve if FULLY OR PARTIALLY out of service… put sprinkler company name, date of removal from service and anticipated time to operational

blue disk

partially out of service- on all fire department connections

water storage tank

…

OS & Y valve

indicating type of control valve used for fire sprinkler system

deluge valve

water supply control valve intended to be operated by actuation of an automatic detection system that is installed in the same area as the discharge devices. INTENDED USE IS MANUAL AND AUTO

deluge sprinkler system

employing open sprinklers that are attached to a piping system that is connected to a water supply through a valve that is opened by the operation of a detection system installed in the same areas as the sprinklers. WHEN IT OPENS, water flows into the piping system and discharges from all sprinklers attached.

Early suppresion fast response sprinklers

fast response sprinkler that is listed for its capability to provide fire suppression of specific high challenge fire hazards

extra large orifice sprinklers

= or > 1 inch less pressure to achieve a given discharge density

extended coverage sprinkler

400 max square feet discharge

fire pump

a provider of liquid flow and pressure dedicated to fire protection. A fire pump is a part of a fire sprinklers system water supply and can be powered by electric, diesel or steam. connected to public water source or tank. provides higher pressure to sprinkler system

Glass bulb sprinkler

operated by heat breaking a glass bulb filled with a non freezing liquid with diameters that vary form 3 mm for quick response to 5 mm for standard response

hose valve

valve to additional hose connection

hydraulic placard

sign attached to a hydraulically calculated sprinkler system indicating the design density, required gallons per minute and pressure for the system to operate properly

hydraulically calculated systems

method of sizing auto sprinkler piping using a prescribed amount of water to be distributed over a specific area.

impairment coordinator

in charge of safety during out of service systems

intermediate level sprinkler

sprinkler equipped with integral shields to protect the operating elemtn form discharge from sprinklers installed at higher elevations

large orifice sprinkler

sprinkler head with orifice size equal or greater than 3/4 and less than 1 inch

listed device

A fire protection component that has been tested to perform under parameters specified for its use by a nationally recognized testing agency. Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) and Factory Mutual (FM) are the two most common.

Master Pressure Reducing Valve

A pressure reducing valve installed to regulate pressures in an entire fire protection system and/or standpipe system zone.

Main Drain

The primary drain connection located on the system riser and also utilized as a flow test connection.

Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC)

Corrosion caused by the presence of microbes in the water supply that over time attack the interior of metallic piping and cause leaks, pitting, and blockages.

Old-Style/Conventional Sprinkler

A sprinkler that directs 40% to 60% of the water initially in a downward direction and is designed to be installed with the deflector in either the upright or pendent position.

Pendent Sprinkler

A sprinkler designed to be installed in such a way that the water stream is directed downward against the deflector.

Pintle Screws

A visual indicating device required for sprinklers manufactured prior to 1999 identifying small orifice sprinklers and large orifice sprinklers where orifice size is different than the nominal thread size of the sprinkler head.

Pipe Schedule Systems

A method of sizing piping based upon the number of sprinkler heads and the occupancy of the protected area.

Preaction Sprinkler System

A sprinkler system employing automatic sprinklers that are attached to a piping system that contains air that may or may not be under pressure, with a supplemental detection system installed in the same areas as the sprinklers.

Pressure Control Valve

A pilot operated pressure reducing valve that may be used with a fire or booster pump designed for the purpose of preventing the incoming water supply pressure from dropping below a set pressure.

Pressure-Reducing Valve

A valve designed for the purpose of reducing the downstream water pressure under both flowing (residual) and nonflowing (static) conditions.

Pressure Relief Valve

A valve designed for the purpose of releasing excess air or water pressure from the Fire Protection Piping System.

Pressure Tank

A tank using air pressure to supplying water for water-based fire protection systems. Tank contents to be maintained at one third air to two thirds water.

Quick Response Sprinkler Head

A sprinkler having a fusible link with a response time index (RTI) of 50 or less.

Recessed Sprinkler

A sprinkler in which all or part of the body, other than the shank thread, is mounted above the ceiling.

Residential Sprinkler

A type of fast response sprinkler that has been specifically tested to enhance survivability in the room of fire origin and listed for use in dwelling units.

Response Time Index (RTI)

A measurement of the thermal sensitivity of a sprinkler head expressed in (meters-seconds) 1/2.

Supervisory signal

A signal indicating the need for action in connection with the supervision of guard tours, fire extinguishing systems or equipment, fire alarm systems or the maintenance features of related systems.

Small orifice sprinklers

A sprinkler head with and orifice size smaller than 1⁄2″

Solder Link Sprinkler

A sprinkler operated by the melting of a metal link, they vary in size and configuration for quick response and standard response sprinklers. The smaller the size of the link, the faster the sprinkler operates.

Spray Sprinkler

A type of sprinkler listed for its capability to provide fire control for a wide range of fire hazards. The most commonly used sprinkler since 1953.

Standard Response Sprinkler Head

A sprinkler having a fusible link with a response time index (RTI) of 80 or more.

Supervisory signal-initiating device

An initiating device, such as a valve supervisory switch, water level indicator, or low-air pressure switch on a dry-pipe or pre-action sprinkler system, that triggers a supervisory signal.

Testing

A procedure used to determine the status of a system as intended by conducting periodic physical checks on water based fire protection systems such as waterflow tests, fire pump tests, alarm tests, and trip tests of dry pipe, deluge, or preaction valves. These tests follow up on the original acceptance test at intervals specified in the appropriate chapter of NFPA #25, 2002 edition.

Upright Sprinkler

A sprinkler designed to be installed in such a way that the water spray is directed upwards against the deflector.

Water Spray Fixed System

A special fixed pipe system connected to a reliable fire protection water supply and equipped with water spray nozzles for specific water discharge and distribution over the surface or area to be protected. The piping system is connected to the water supply through an automatically or manually actuated valve that initiates the flow of water. An automatic valve is actuated by operation of automatic detection or manual release equipment installed in the same areas as the water spray nozzles. (In special cases, the automatic detection system may also be located in another area.)

PREACTION SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

designed for situations where there is danger of serious water damage. Water damage is usually caused by damaged sprinklers or broken piping. Under normal conditions there is no water in the piping. The air in the piping may or may not be is under pressure. A preaction valve prevents the water from entering the system. The valve is automatically opened when a fire detection system discovers that there is a fire or smoke condition. The preaction valve is tripped by the fire detection system before any of the sprinkler heads open. A supervisory device signals when the valve is opened. The preaction valve can also be operated manually.

DELUGE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

equipped with open sprinkler heads designed to wet down an entire area involved in a fire. This system is needed when there is danger of a fire rapidly spreading throughout the building. The deluge system will slow down the spread of the fire. Deluge systems are suitable for hazardous occupancies. This includes buildings in which flammable liquids or other hazardous materials are handled or stored. The sprinkler heads in the deluge system are open at all times. Under normal conditions there is no water in the piping. The air in the piping is not under pressure. A closed control valve prevents water from flowing into the system. A fire detection device automatically opens the control valve when a fire is identified. A supervisory device signals when the valve is opened. When the valve is opened water flows into the system. The water is then discharged out all of the sprinkler heads. The water control valve may also be opened manually.

NON-AUTOMATIC DRY SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

ll pipes are normally dry. Water is supplied when needed by pumping water into the system through the Fire Department connection. Some of these systems are supplied by manual operation of a water control valve and may be equipped with sprinklers with or without fusible links. There are several non-automatic systems: 1) Perforated pipe systems – a single line of piping drilled at intervals for water discharge. These systems are usually found in basements or other areas difficult to reach in fire fighting operations. 2) Open fixed spray nozzles for transformer vaults or other hazardous areas; 3) exterior exposure sprinklers (or window sprinklers) use open sprinkler heads to form an external water curtain on the walls of a building, and 4) Foam supply systems are used for the protection of special hazardous occupancies.

Curb Valves

Gate valves of the non-indicating type are provided in water distribution systems. Gate valves allow the sprinkler system to be shut off for repairs or maintenance. Such valves are normally a non-rising stem type. They are operated using a special key wrench. A valve box is located over the valve to keep dirt from the valve. The valve box also provides a convenient access point for the valve wrench to the valve nut. A complete record should be made for each valve in the system. This record should include the exact location, the date it was installed, the make, the direction of opening, number of turns to open, and any maintenance that was performed. The control valve for the building may also be on the outside wall or attached to an upright post, known as a post indicator valve (PIV). The building or section of the building controlled by the valve is usually marked on the post. The position of this valve (open or closed) is shown through a telltale opening in the post. On some posts, a padlock must first be opened to release the operating wrench or wheel handle.

Pumper Connections for Fire Department Use

Fire Department connections must always be accessible. Each connection shall be fitted with a lower check valve. The lower check valve prevents the backflow of the private water supply into the Fire Department connection. The figure below shows the main features of a Fire Department connection.

Fire Pumps

used as a main water supply source for sprinkler systems. They may also be used in combination with gravity tanks to supply sprinkler system. Fire pumps are designed to take the water from a supply source and then discharge the water into the fire protection system under pressure. The amount of pressure with which the water is discharged from the pump is called the total head. The total head is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). The higher the psi rating of the pump the greater the

Waterflow Alarm Valves

The basic design of most water-flow alarm valves is that of a check valve which lifts from its seat when water flows into a sprinkler system. This alarm then starts an audible signal to alert the occupants in the building that the sprinkler system has been activated.

Vane type waterflow

Switches have a paddle inserted inside the main supply piping perpendicular to the direction of flow. Upon waterflow, the paddle switch transmits an alarm. Vane type waterflow switches cannot be installed to monitor waterflow in dry pipe sprinkler systems.

Alarm Retarding Devices

An alarm check valve that is exposed to changing water supply pressure needs an alarm retarding device. This is required to prevent false alarms when the check valve clapper is lifted from its seat by a temporary pressure surge. Vane type water flow switches sensitivity can also be adjusted to changing water pressures.

The Centrifugal Pump

The centrifugal fire pump is the standard pump currently used in fire protection systems. This is the preferred pump because it is reliable, compact, requires low maintenance, and it can be powered by a variety of drivers including: electric motors, internal combustion engines, and steam turbines

The Vertical Turbine Pump

A vertical turbine pump is really a modified centrifugal pump that has the capability to draw water from streams, ponds, wells etc. Unlike the standard centrifugal pump, the vertical turbine pump does not need the suction supply to be under pressure for it to operate. Instead it draws the water into the pump by suction. The water is drawn into the pump. When it reaches the rotating impellers the water pressure is increased and then forcefully discharged into the fire protection system.

Pump Activation

A fire pump can be started automatically or manually. The pump can be started automatically by an electric controller or an engine controller. These controllers activate the pump when there is a drop of water pressure or water flow in the fire protection system. The controllers are adjusted so that a minor drop in water pressure or minor increase in water flow due to a small leak will not activate the pumps. The controllers for the fire pumps are expensive; require extensive maintenance and periodic testing. Where electric motor drive is used, a standby power generator is sometimes required. If an engine controller is used the appropriate fuel storage tanks should be filled and checked regularly.

Pressure Maintenance Pumps (Jockey Pumps)

Pressure maintenance pumps, Some times referred to as jockey, or makeup pumps, are often found on sprinkler systems. These pumps are designed to automatically operate when there is a slight drop in pressure due to the leakage in the system or a pressure surge. The jockey pump restores the pressure in the fire protection system to the desired level. When the drop of pressure in the system greater than the capacity of the jockey pump the fire pump is activated.

Booster pumps/special service pumps

Booster pumps are sometimes used in sprinkler systems. They small pumps with limited power are usually located in the basement or taking suction from gravity tanks. The booster pump is used when the water pressure available at the highest sprinkler head does not quite meet the needs of the sprinkler system. This small pump increases the water pressure in the sprinkler system until it reaches acceptable levels. The booster pump should not be confused with the fire pump or the jockey pump.

performed every 5 years: 1. open main valve to let debris escape, then close 2. system air a nd water pressrue recorded. 3. relieve pressure by opening inspector test valve (use stopwatch) 4. at dry pipe valve note aire pressure which valve trips an note time 5. at inspectors test note time that water flows steadily. 6. test terminated when clean water flows (shit valve)